Well, hello, best brownies ever. See the bottom layer? That's peanut butter cookies. That middle layer? Oh yes, those are peanut butter cups. And the top layer is a wonderful bit of fudgy brownie. I really wasn't sure what to call these. If these are slutty brownies, then maybe these guys should be called skanky brownies? Peanut butter lover brownies? Unbelievably awesome brownies? I'm not sure, so for now, I'll go with the description: peanut butter cookie cup brownies. These are pretty easy to make and don't really take too much time, so I suggest you get into your kitchen as soon as possible to get them made. The sooner you make them, the sooner you can eat them!Peanut Butter Cookie Cup Brownies RecipeMakes a 9x9 panPrint this recipeFor the peanut butter cookie layer: 1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup peanut butter1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening1 egg1 1/4 cup all purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 pan with aluminum foil, leaving a few inches hanging over the sides (this foil will turn into handles to lift the brownies out of the pan later). Spray the foil generously with nonstick spray, paying special attention to the corners and sides.

To make the cookie dough, in a mixing bowl, cream together the butter-flavored shortening, peanut butter, and sugars. Add in the egg and mix until combined. Stir in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix in the flour until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Place the 16 peanut butter cups on top of the peanut butter cookie dough in one layer. To make the brownies, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of butter. Add the chocolate and let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir and if the chocolate isn't fully melted, microwave for 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring in between.

In a mixing bowl, mix together sugar, eggs, and vanilla until incorporated. Add in the butter/chocolate and mix until thick and glossy (about a minute). Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Pour on top of the peanut butter cup layer. Bake for 30 minutes if you like fudgy brownies; bake for 35-40 minutes if you like them a little more cooked and firm. Peanut butter cookies adapted from Betty CrockerBrownies from The Pastry Queen cookbook

Welcome!

Cooking is fun and easy at high altitude, but baking can be frustrating. About 90% of my recipes work everywhere, but some are adjusted so us mountain dwellers can enjoy baked goods from scratch. I hope you find great recipes on here for your family, and I'll let you know if any are adjusted for high altitude.